What Landlords Expect from End of Tenancy Cleaning – April 2025

There are a handful of things you need to do before you move out of a rental property, one of which is ensuring it’s left in pristine condition. Whether you’re a tenant looking to secure your full deposit refund, or a landlord preparing for new occupants, a thorough end of tenancy clean is essential. But, what exactly does this involve?

What is End of Tenancy Cleaning?

End of tenancy cleaning is a deep cleaning process carried out when a tenant moves out, ensuring the property is spotless for the next occupants. Unlike regular cleaning, which focuses on surface tidying, end of tenancy cleaning involves meticulous, top to bottom cleaning to remove all dirt, dust, stains and grime. The aim of end of tenancy cleaning is to leave the property in the same condition as before you moved in.

A full end of tenancy clean includes a lot, with a big focus on kitchen cleaning and bathroom cleaning. In the kitchen, greasing and deep-cleaning the oven, hob and extractor fan, scrubbing kitchen cupboards inside and out, wiping down countertops and backsplash tiles, and cleaning the sink and taps to remove limescale and stains are all important. Emptying and sanitising the fridge and freezer, and cleaning inside appliances and white goods are also part of an end of tenancy clean. In the bathroom, cleaning involves everything from scrubbing toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers, to removing limescale and soap scum from tiles and glass

In living areas and bedrooms, end of tenancy cleaning involves hoovering, dusting, wiping down all surfaces, skirting boards, and shelves, and cleaning windows, frames and sills. Wiping down light switches, door handles and radiators are also key. In other areas of the home, end of tenancy cleaning includes cleaning inside wardrobes and cupboards, wiping down walls where necessary and cleaning behind and underneath furniture.

Why is End of Tenancy Cleaning Important?

Cleaning a property thoroughly before handing over the keys isn’t just about making it look nice, it’s about getting your full deposit back when you leave. Most landlords or letting agents require a security deposit at the start of the tenancy. At the end of the lease, they will inspect the property, and if it’s not in a satisfactory condition, they may deduct cleaning costs from the deposit. A poorly cleaned property is one of the most common reasons tenants lose part of their deposit. A professional end of tenancy clean reduces the risk of disputes and increases the chances of getting the full deposit back.

Landlords want their property returned in a condition that is clean, hygienic and ready for new tenants. A poorly maintained home can result in longer void periods, lower rental value, and potential complaints from future tenants. Many letting agencies have strict cleaning checklists that must be met before a new tenant moves in. If a tenant fails to clean the property properly, landlords may need to hire professional cleaners, a cost which gets deducted from the deposit.

Why Hiring Professionals is the Best Option

Some tenants attempt to clean the property themselves to save money, but this often results in missed spots or subpar results, putting the deposit at risk. This is why many tenants hand the responsibility of end of tenancy cleaning over to the professionals.

• Higher Chance of Getting Your Full Deposit Back – Professional cleaners know exactly what landlords and letting agents look for, ensuring the property meets the highest standards. You can hand the task over to them, knowing they know exactly what needs to be done, increasing the chances of you getting your full deposit back.

• Saves Time and Reduces Stress – Moving is already stressful enough without having to spend hours scrubbing floors and degreasing ovens. Hiring professionals allows tenants to focus on packing and relocating. You can put your time and energy into organising other aspects of your move, and the actual move itself, knowing that your end of tenancy cleaning is being taken care of.

• Professional Equipment and Cleaning Products – Professional cleaners use high quality cleaning products and equipment such as steam cleaners for carpets and upholstery, descaling solutions for bathrooms, and heavy duty degreasers for kitchens. This results in a deeper and more effective clean than what’s possible with standard household products.

• Avoids Additional Landlord Charges – If a landlord hires their own cleaning company due to poor cleaning, you could end up paying a higher fee. Booking a professional service independently gives you full control over the cost and quality.

Professional End of Tenancy Cleaning in Manchester

As you can see, end of tenancy cleaning is a vital part of the moving process, whether you’re a tenant trying to secure your deposit or a landlord preparing the property for new occupants. Landlords expect a high standard of cleanliness, covering everything from appliances to carpets. While some tenants may attempt to clean the property themselves, hiring a professional service is often the best way to ensure a stress-free move and a full deposit refund, which is where our end of tenancy cleaning in Manchester comes in.

At Atticus Cleaning, we know how stressful end of tenancy cleaning can be, not to mention time-consuming. That’s why we offer expert cleaning services in Manchester, giving you the time to focus on other parts of your move. We tailor our cleaning services to you, ensuring every corner of the property is spotless and ready to hand back to the landlord. Get in touch with our cleaning experts to find out more.